The NE wind can be OK and safe depending on the intensity. Suggest you go to Lakevision.com and view the Cleveland, Huron, Kelly's, Put-N-Bay and Monroe camera shots and marine weather report daily. This will start to give you some idea as to what the different wind direction and intensity will produce as far as wave type and height. I have done this for a few years now and it helps me decide where I will fish. Hope this helps those who live a good way South of the lake and have a long drive to get here, only to be turned back.